Non-real-time broadcast service processing system and processing method thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a non-real-time broadcast service processing system and a processing method thereof. According to the present invention, the method for processing a non-real-time (NRT) service in a broadcast receiver enables the NRT service to be processed with the following steps: receiving a broadcast service and signaling information; identifying whether the broadcast service is the NRT service on the basis of the signaling information; and identifying whether the identified NRT service includes a 3D service or a 3D content.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a non-real-time (hereinafter, “NRT”)broadcast service processing system and method, and more particularly,to a NRT broadcast service processing system and method capable ofidentifying and processing 3-dimensional (hereinafter, “3D”) contentincluded in an NRT service at a receiving device if the 3D content istransmitted via the NRT service.

BACKGROUND ART

As an application which will be used in a digital television (DTV)service in the future, there is an NRT service. The NRT service involvesnon-real-time transmission, storage and viewing operations, instead ofreal-time streaming, transmits content in the form of a file via aredundant bandwidth using a terrestrial broadcast medium, and isexpected to implement various service functions such as push video ondemand (VOD) or targeted advertising.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

An object of the present invention is to identify and process 3D contentincluded in an NRT service at a receiving device while identifying theNRT service, if the 3D content is transmitted via the NRT service.

Another object of the present invention is to provide presence/absenceof 3D NRT content in an NRT service through an electronic program guide(EPG) of the NRT service, that is, NRT-EPG, detailed information of 3DNRT content, e.g., 3D format information, and enable a receiving deviceto perform a viewing and recording function of 3D NRT content at areceiving device.

Another object of the present invention is to identify and download a 3Dor 2D version corresponding to previously received 2D or 3D content at areceiving device, if the 3D or 2D version corresponding to thepreviously received 2D or 3D content is present.

Technical Solution

The present invention provides a non-real-time (NRT) broadcast serviceprocessing system and method.

The object of the present invention can be achieved by providing amethod of processing a non-real-time (NRT) service in a broadcastreceiver, the method including receiving a broadcast service andsignaling information, identifying whether the broadcast service is anNRT service based on the signaling information and determining whetherthe identified NRT service includes a 3-dimensional (3D) service or 3Dcontent, and processing the NRT service.

The signaling information may include a service map table (SMT) and anNRT-information table (NRT-IT).

The SMT may use a descriptor of at least one of a component level and aservice level in order to determine whether the identified NRT serviceis a 3D service.

The descriptor of the component level may include a component_descriptorand the component_descriptor may identify whether a 3D video componentis included in the NRT service using a component_type.

The component_descriptor may include at least one of informationindicating a 3D video format of the video component, informationindicating whether a first half is a left picture or a right picture,and information indicating orientation which is a pixel arrangement formof a left view image and a right view image in 3D content of video.

The descriptor of the service level may include at least one of acapability_descriptor and a service_descriptor.

The capability_descriptor may include at least one of informationindicating that a media type is 3D video coded through advance videocoding (AVC) and information indicating that the media type is 3D videocoded through AVC and a 3D format is any one of Side-by-Side (SbS) andTop-and-Bottom (TaB).

The service_descriptor may include any one of information indicatingthat a service category is 3D browse & download and informationindicating 3D push.

The SMT and the NRT-IT may further include flag information indicatingwhether a service or content corresponding to a specific service orcontent is present, and a 2D service or content corresponds to a 3Dservice or content or a 3D service or content corresponds to a secondservice or content.

The flag information may include any one of information about a currentservice using 1 bit and information about services of a current time anda different time using 2 bits or more.

The SMT may further include a service-level descriptor providing aservice identifier if a corresponding service is present according tothe flag information.

The SMT may further include a service-level descriptor including atleast one of information indicating a video format of 3D content,information about a frame-compatible format of 3D content, informationabout orientation which is a pixel arrangement form of a left view imageand a right view image in 3D content, and metadata information of 3Dcontent, if the identified 3D NRT service or the corresponding serviceis 3D.

The NRT-IT may include a content-level descriptor including informationindicating that an application type of content is 3D NRT content, ifannounced content is 3D.

The NRT-IT may further include a content-level descriptor providingcontent linkage information of corresponding content if correspondingcontent is present according to the flag information.

The NRT-IT may identify the specific content and the correspondingcontent at the same time slot using content reference identifierinformation for uniquely identifying the content.

Advantageous Effects

According to the present invention, the following effects are obtained.

First, it is possible to signal 3D NRT content via an NRT service.

Second, it is possible to check presence/absence of 3D NRT contentdifferentiated from 2D content via NRT-EPG and to perform a function forallowing a user to determine whether 3D NRT content is viewed and arecording/schedule-recording function based on detailed information ofthe 3D NRT content.

Third, it is possible to automatically download a 3D version ofpreviously received 2D content if the 3D version is present.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the concept of an NRT service.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a broadcast receiveraccording to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing another example of a broadcastreceiver according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an NRT service,a content item and a file.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an NRT service protocolstack according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a service map table (SMT)section according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofNRT_component_data_descriptor according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax of acapability_descriptor according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofan NRT_service_descriptor according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofa 3D_NRT_descriptor according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a 3D_structure field value and meaningthereof according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a 3D_sampling field value and meaningthereof according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a 3D_orientation field value andmeaning thereof according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating meaning of sub-sampling in associationwith the 3D_sampling field according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating meaning of a quincunx matrix inassociation with the 3D_sampling field according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating 3D_metadata_type field and3D_metadata_length field values and meaning thereof according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofa 2D_(—)3D_corresponding_service_descriptor according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofNRT-IT according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofa media_type descriptor according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofa 2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content_descriptor according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of NRT-EPG according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another example of NRT-EPG according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofa content_labeling_descriptor according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofa content_reference_id_byte according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax of2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content_id_descriptor according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (UI)indicating presence/absence of a 3D version according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing another example of NRT-EPG according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a detailed example of the UI of FIG. 27.

BEST MODE

Hereinafter, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention capableof implementing the above objects will be described with reference tothe accompanying drawings. The configuration and operation of thepresent invention shown in the drawings and described hereinafter willbe described in at least one embodiment, without limiting the spirit andscope of the present invention.

DEFINITION OF THE TERMS USED IN THE PRESENT INVENTION

In addition, although the terms used in the present invention areselected from generally known and used terms, some of the termsmentioned in the description of the present invention have been selectedby the applicant at his or her discretion, the detailed meanings ofwhich are described in relevant parts of the description herein.Furthermore, it is required that the present invention is understood,not simply by the actual terms used but by the meanings of each termlying within.

Hereinafter, in the present specification, the term “non-real time(NRT)” refers to content that is delivered in advance of its use andstored in a receiving device. Content refers to content that isdelivered faster than real-time, such that buffering is required in thereceiving device.

The term “3D NRT service” refers to a 3-dimensional (3D) service that isprovided as an NRT service and may include the case of using an NRTservice as a dedicated 3D service and the case in which an NRT serviceincludes at least a part of a 3D service.

The term “3D NRT content” refers to 3D content transmitted via an NRTservice.

The term “NRT-EPG” is used to collectively represent a service guide ora program guide that may be provided by a broadcast receiver based onsignaling information and announcement information transmitted via aservice signaling channel (SSC).

Hereinafter, in the present specification, identification and processingof 3D NRT service or content according to the present invention will bedescribed. The term “processing” may include provision of 3D NRT contentby a receiving device, determination as to whether 3D NRT content ispresent via NRT-EPG and decoding and recording of 3D NRT content at areceiving device based on detailed information (e.g., 3D video formatinformation, etc.) about 3D NRT content. The term “processing” mayinclude all processes necessary for a procedure from transmission andreception of 3D NRT content to provision of 3D NRT content to a user. Inthe present specification, if a version corresponding to previouslyreceived 2D NRT content or 3D NRT content, that is, 3D NRT content or 2DNRT content, is present, a method of providing information about theversion and downloading the version will be described. If NRT content isschedule-downloaded or if there is a series of previously received NRTcontent, information about other series or another episode of the seriesor content provided by another medium may be further provided. The term“recording” includes various functions which may be provided by apersonal video recorder (PVR) or a digital video recorder (DVR), such asinstant recording, schedule recording, time machine, which may beperformed via NRT-EPG.

NRT Service Conceptual Diagram

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the concept of an NRT service.

A broadcast station transmits a real-time (RT) service according to aconventional method. At this time, the broadcast station may transmit anRT service and provide an NRT service using the bandwidth left after theprocess of transmitting the RT service. Examples of such an NRT servicemay include content for news clip, weather information, advertising andpush video on demand (VOD).

Operation of a conventional broadcast receiver, that is, a legacydevice, is not influenced by an NRT stream included in a channel.Accordingly, the legacy device may not receive an NRT service or may notappropriately process a received NRT service. Accordingly, in thepresent specification, a broadcast receiver for receiving and processingan NRT service and providing various functions associated with a newservice while maintaining compatibility with the legacy device, that is,while providing an RT service, and a method of processing the same aredescribed.

The RT service and the NRT service may be transmitted via the same pathor different paths (e.g., channels) and may be transmitted via an MPEG-2transport packet (TP) or an IP datagram. If an NRT service istransmitted together with an RT service via the same path, the broadcastreceiver according to the present invention may identify the NRT serviceusing signaling information and announcement information transmitted viaa SSC. In addition, in the present specification, 3D NRT content mayalso be identified and the identified 3D NRT content may also beprocessed. Hereinafter, identification and processing of the NRT serviceand the 3D NRT content according to the present invention will bedescribed in detail. The broadcast station may provide signalinginformation and allocate at least one unique packet identifier (PID) foridentifying the NRT service.

Broadcast Receiver

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a broadcast receiveraccording to the present invention.

An example of an NRT reception system according to the present inventionmay roughly include a baseband processor, an MPEG-2 service demux, astream component handler, a file handler, and other parts.

Hereinafter, the components of the NRT reception system of FIG. 2 willbe described.

The baseband processor may include a tuner 201 and a demodulator 202.The tuner 201 detects a radio frequency (RF) signal transmitted over theair and extracts symbols. The tuner 201 may be controlled by a servicemanager 228. The demodulator 202 demodulates the symbols extracted bythe tuner 201 to restore meaningful data.

The MPEG-2 service demux includes an MPEG-2 TP buffer/parser 203, aProgram Specific Information/Program and System Information Protocol(PSI/PSIP) section/buffer 204, a descrambler 205, an MPEG-2 TP demux 206and a PVR storage 207.

The MPEG-2 TP buffer/parser 203 buffers and restores an MPEG-2 TPtransmitted via a signal and detects and processes a TP header.

The PSI/PSIP section/buffer 204 buffers and parses PSI/PSIP section datatransmitted via the MPEG-2 TS. The parsed PSI/PSIP data is collected bya service manager 226 and is stored in a database (DB) in the form of aservice map and guide data.

The descrambler 205 restores payload data with respect to scrambledpacket payload in the MPEG-2 TP using an encryption key received from aconditional access (CA) stream handler 216.

The MPEG-2 TP demux 206 filters the MPEG-2 TP transmitted via the signalor a TP to be processed by the receiving device in MPEG-2 TPs stored inthe PVR storage 207 and delivers the TP to a next processing module. TheMPEG-2 TP demux 206 may be controlled by the service manager 228 and thePVR manager 235.

The PVR storage 207 stores the MPEG-2 TP received according to a userrequest and outputs the MPEG-2 TP according to a user request. The PVRstorage 207 is controlled by the PVR manager 235.

The stream component handler may include a Packetized Elementary Stream(PES) Buffer/Handler 208, an Elementary Stream (ES) Buffer/Handler 209,a Program Clock Reference (PCR) Handler 210, an STC unit 211, a digitalstorage media-command and control (DSM-CC) section Buffer/Handler 212,an IP datagram buffer/header parser 213, a user datagram protocol (UDP)datagram buffer/handler 213, a CA stream buffer/handler 214 and aservice signaling section buffer/handler 215.

The PES buffer/handler 208 buffers and restores a PES transmitted viathe MPEG-2 TS.

The ES buffer/handler 209 buffers and restores an ES such as audio dataor video data transmitted in the form of a PES and delivers the ES toA/V decoders 218.

The PCR handler 210 processes PCR data used for time synchronization ofan audio stream and a video stream.

The STC unit 211 corrects clock values of the A/V decoders 218 using areference clock value received via the PCR handler 210 so as to performtime synchronization.

The DSM-CC section buffer/handler 212 buffers and processes DSM-CCsection data, for transmission of a file transmitted via the MPEG-2 TPand IP datagram encapsulation.

The IP datagram buffer/header parser 213 buffers and restores the IPdatagram encapsulated via a DSM-CC addressable section and transmittedvia the MPEG-2 TP. The IP datagram buffer/header parser 213 parses theheader of each datagram through restoration. The IP datagrambuffer/header parser 213 may be controlled by the service manager 228.

The descrambler 214 restores payload data with respect to scrambledpayload in the received IP datagram using an encryption key receivedfrom the CA stream handler 216.

The UDP datagram buffer/handler 215 buffers and restores a UDP datagramtransmitted via the IP datagram and parses and processes a UDP header.

The CA stream buffer/handler 216 buffers and processes data such as adescrambling key value such as an entitlement management message (EMM)or an entitlement control message (ECM) transmitted via the MPEG-2 TS orthe IP stream for a CA function. The output of the CA streambuffer/handler 216 is delivered to the descrambler 214 so as to performa decryption operation of the MPEG-2 TS or the IP stream fortransmitting AV data and file data.

The service signaling section buffer/parser 217 processes a service maptable (SMT), an NRT information table (NRT-IT) and related descriptorsfor signaling an NRT service according to the present invention. Theprocessed signaling information is transmitted to an NRT service manager229 and a 3D formatter 250.

The media handler includes A/V decoders 218. The AV decoders 218compress/decode audio data and video data received from the ES handler209 in order to present audio and video to a user.

The 3D formatter 250 according to the present invention may receive animage signal decoded by the A/V decoders 218 and reformat a videosignal, that is, remap pixels according to pixel arrangement of a 3Ddisplay using at least one of signaling information and announcementinformation received from the service signaling section buffer/parser217. At this time, 3D related information shown in at least one of FIGS.7, 10 to 16 may be used as the 3D format information of video.

The file handler may include an Asynchronous Layered Coding/LayeredCoding Transport (ALC/LCT) buffer/parser 219, a file description table(FDT) handler 220, an XML parser 221, a file reconstruction buffer 222and a decompressor 223.

The ALC/LCT buffer/parser 219 buffers and restores ALC/LCT datatransmitted via a UDP/IP stream and parses a header of the ALC/LCT and aheader extension. The ALC/LCT buffer/parser 219 may be controlled by theNRT service manager 229.

The FDT handler 220 parses and processes a FDT of a File Delivery overUnidirectional Transport (FLUTE) protocol transmitted via an ALC/LCTsession. The processed FDT may be transmitted to the NRT service manager229. The FDT handler 220 may be controlled by the NRT service manager229.

The XML parser 221 parses an XML document transmitted via the ALC/LCTsession and delivers the parsed data to a module such as the FDT handler220 or the SG handler 227.

The file reconstruction buffer 222 restores a file transmitted via theALC/LCT and FLUTE session.

The decompressor 223 performs decompression if the file transmitted viathe ALC/LCT and FLUTE session is compressed.

The file decoder 224 decodes the file restored by the filereconfiguration buffer 222, the file decompressed by the decompressor223 or the file extracted from the file storage 225.

The file storage 225 stores and extracts the received file. The receivedfile may include NRT content.

The other parts excluding the above-described components will now bedescribed.

A middleware (M/W) engine 226 processes data such as a file other thanan AV stream transmitted via a DSM-CC section, a DSM-CC addressablesection and an IP datagram and delivers the processed data to apresentation manager 234.

The SG handler 227 collects and parses service guide data transmitted inthe form of an XML document form and delivers the service guide data tothe EPG manager 230.

The service manager 228 collects and parses PSI/PSIP data transmittedvia the MPEG-2 TS and service signaling section data transmitted via theIP stream, makes a service map, stores the service map in a service mapand guide database, and controls access to a desired service of a user.The service manager 228 is controlled by an operation controller 230 andcontrols the tuner 201, the MPEG-2 TP demux 206, the IP datagrambuffer/handler 213, the NRT service manager 229, etc.

The NRT service manager 229 performs overall management of the NRTservice transmitted in the form of an object/file via the FLUTE sessionon an IP layer. The NRT service manager 229 parses signaling informationtransmitted from the service signaling section buffer/parser 217. Theparsed signaling information may be transmitted to and stored in theservice map and guide database 236. In addition, the NRT service manager229 controls transmission of the SMT and/or the NRT-IT associated withthe service guide in the signaling information to the EPG manager 230and creation of EPG data. The NRT service manager 229 controls the FDThandler 220, the file storage 225, etc. Accordingly, the NRT servicemanager 229 controls parsing of the FDT received from the FDT handler220 and storage of NRT content in the file storage 225 in a hierarchicalstructure. The NRT service manager 229 controls extraction of the NRTcontent from the file storage 225 when a user selects an NRT service.

The EPG manager 230 controls reception of the service guide data fromthe SG handler 227 and configuration and display of EPG data.

The application manager 231 performs overall management of processing ofapplication data transmitted in the form of an object or a file.

The UI manager 232 delivers user input to the operation controller 233via a UI and starts to process a service requested by a user.

The operation controller 233 processes a user command received via theUI manager 232 and enables the manager of a necessary module to performand manage an action.

The presentation manager 234 provides at least one of audio and videodata output from the A/V decoder 218, file data output from the M/Wengine 226 and the EPG data output from the EPG manager 230 to the uservia a speaker and/or a screen.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing another example of a broadcastreceiver according to the present invention.

The broadcast receiver of FIG. 3 performs a PVR function similarly tothe broadcast receiver of FIG. 2 and may perform a function forrecording an NRT service or content, a schedule recording function or atime machine function according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, the components of the broadcast receiver of FIG. 3 will bedescribed. In description of the components of FIG. 3, the componentsequal or similar to the components of FIG. 2 will be omitted.

A tuner and demodulator 301 and a VSB decoder 303 perform the samefunctions as the baseband processor of FIG. 2, that is, tunes to aspecific channel and demodulates a broadcast signal. The receivedbroadcast signal may include an NRT service and the NRT service mayinclude a 3D service or content.

A TP demux 305 appropriately demultiplexes a variety of informationincluded in a TP from the demodulated broadcast signal.

An NRT guide information processor 307 receives the demultiplexed TPfrom the TP demux 305 and processes the NRT guide information. Theprocessed NRT guide information is input to a DSM-CC addressable sectionparser 309 and is used to process the demultiplexed TP output from theTP demux 305.

The TP parsed by the DSM-CC addressable section parser 309 is parsed byan IP/UDP parser 311. The parsed IP/UDP packet is parsed by a FLUTEparser 313 and FLUTE data is input to a metadata processor 319.

A storage (download) controller 323 receives the output of the TP demuxand the output of the file processor 321 and controls storage anddownload of the file or TP in a storage device 329 under control of afile/TP switch 325.

A playback (upload) controller 327 controls upload of the file and/or TPstored in the storage device 329 under control of the file/TP switch325. At this time, the TP of the output of the playback (upload)controller 327 is decoded by a TP/PES decoder 343 via a live/recordedswitch 341. In contrast, the file of the output of the playback (upload)controller 327 is decoded by a file (object) decoder 351. The output ofthe TP/PES decoder 343 and the output of the file (object) decoder 351are appropriately selected by a main/NRT switch 349 and are decoded byan A/V decoder 353.

If the TP or file decoded by the A/V decoder 353 is 3D data, a 3Dformatter 357 formats the TP or file into 3D video based on signalinginformation received from a metadata handler 315 after signaling dataprocessed by a metadata processor 319 is processed by a signaling datahandler 317, and outputs the 3D video.

The metadata handler 315 may process information received from theIP/UDP parser 311 in addition to the metadata processor 319 and transmitthe information to the 3D formatter 357.

The 3D formatter 357 may be bypassed if the TP or file decoded by theA/V decoder 353 is 2D data.

The PSI/PSIP decoder receives the TP demultiplexed by the TP demux 305via the TP/PES decoder 343, reads PSI/PSIP information from the TP/PESand decodes the read PSI/PSIP information.

The decoded PSI/PSIP information is used to configure an EPG in an EPGhandler 347.

Description of Relationship Between NRT Service, Content Item and File

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an NRT service,a content item and a file.

The NRT service may include one or more content items and a content itemmay include one or more files. The term “content item” refers to a setof one or more files that an NRT service provider intends to be treatedas a single unit for presentation purposes. The content item maycorrespond to a program or event of an RT broadcast as one entity whichcan be independently played back. Accordingly, the NRT service refers toa service group as a combination of content items and is equal orsimilar to the channel concept of RT.

Referring to FIG. 4, an NRT service includes three content itemsincluding Content Item 0, Content Item 1 and Content Item 3. Contentitem 0 includes a total of four files from File 0 to File 3, ContentItem 2 includes File 4 and File 5, and Content Item 3 includes only File6.

As described above, an NRT service differentiated from an RT serviceneeds to be signaled in order to determine whether a service received bya broadcast receiver is an RT service or an NRT service. Hereinafter, aservice protocol will be described for describing NRT service signaling.

Protocol for NRT Service

An NRT service is roughly divided into a fixed NRT service for a fixedbroadcast and a mobile NRT service for a mobile broadcast. Hereinafter,although an NRT service for a fixed broadcast is described for betterunderstanding of the present invention and convenience of description,the present invention is not limited to the NRT service for the fixedbroadcast and is applicable to an NRT service for a mobile broadcastusing a similar method.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an NRT service protocolstack according to the present invention.

In an example of an NRT service protocol stack according to the presentinvention, an IP datagram including NRT content items/files and a SSCfor transmitting an SMT/NRT-IT and PSI/PSIP data are transmitted in anMPEG-2 TS format.

An NRT service for a fixed broadcast is packetized in an InternetProtocol (IP) layer according to a UDP and a UDP packet is packetizedaccording to an IP scheme to become UDP/IP packet data. In the presentspecification, the packetized UDP/IP packet data is referred to as IPdatagram for convenience.

The NRT content items/files are packetized according to a FLUTE schemeand are packetized according to an ALC/LCT scheme. The ALC/LCT packet istransmitted in a state of being encapsulated by a UDP datagram. TheALC/LCT/UDP packet is packetized according to an IP datagram scheme tobecome an ALC/LCT/UDP/IP packet, that is, IP datagram. The IP datagramis included in the MPEG-2 TS via DSM-CC sections or DSM-CC addressablesections, for transmission. The ALC/LCT/UDP/IP packet is informationabout a FLUTE session and includes a FDT.

Various tables carried in the SSC, e.g., an SMT and an NRT-IT, arepacketized according to a UDP scheme, packetized according to an IPscheme to become UDP/IP packet data, that is, an IP datagram. Such an IPdatagram is included in the MPEG-2 TS via DSM-CC sections or DSM-CCaddressable sections, for transmission.

The PSI/PSIP table is separately defined and included in the MPEG-2 TS.

The MPEG-2 TS including the NRT content items/files, the SSC and thePSI/PSIP table is modulated using a predetermined transmission scheme,e.g., a vestigial side band (VSB) scheme, and is transmitted.

Hereinafter, the SMT and the NRT-IT transmitted by the SSC anddescriptors associated therewith according to the present invention willbe described in detail.

SMT (Service Map Table)

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an SMT section accordingto the present invention.

The SMT contains service-level attributes for NRT Services carried inthe fixed-broadcast Transport Stream. The SMT associated with the NRTservice includes IP subnet services corresponding to M/H services. Inparticular, subnet_id shall indicate the IP subnet associated with thisSSC. The scope of subnet_id shall be the full main broadcast TS.

A table_id field indicates a type of a table section being defined inSMT for NRT service. In particular, in the present invention, thetable_id field may indicate that the table section is an SMT section viaa predefined field value.

A section_syntax_indicator field is an indicator indicating the form ofthe syntax defining the SMT section, e.g., the short form of the MPEG (Asection_syntax_indicator field shall be set to 0 to always indicate thatthis table is derived from the short form of the MPEG-2 private sectiontable).

A private_indicator field indicates that the form of the section followsa private section form (A private_indicator field shall be set to 1).

A section_length fields indicates the number of remaining bytes thistable section immediately following this field. The value in this fieldshall not exceed 4093 (0xFFD).

A table_id_extension field is table-dependent. It shall be considered tobe logically part of the table_id field providing the scope for theremaining fields). The table_id_extension fields may include anSMT_protocol_version field. The SMT_protocol_version field indicates aprotocol version indicating an NRT service SMT for carrying parametersthat may be structured differently than those defined in the currentprotocol (A SMT_protocol_version field whose function is to allow, inthe future, this SMT to carry parameters that may be structureddifferently from those defined in the current protocol. At present, thevalue for the protocol_version shall be zero. Non-zero values ofprotocol_version may be used by a future version of this standard toindicate structurally different tables).

A version_number field includes a version number of an SMT section.

A current_next_indicator field indicates whether the sent SMT iscurrently applicable (A current_next_indicator, which when set to 1shall indicate that the sent SMT is currently applicable).

A section_number field shall give the section number of this SMTsection.

A last_section_number field shall give the number of the last section(i.e., the section with the highest section_number) of the SMT of whichthis section is a part.

A num_NRT_services fields specifies the number of NRT services in thisSMT section.

The SMT according to the present invention may provide information aboutan NRT service for a plurality of fixed broadcasts using a loopstructure. Hereinafter, the following field information may be definedand provided in the loop structure with respect to the NRT service foreach fixed broadcast.

An NRT_service_status field shall identify the status of this NRTService. The most significant bit (MSB) shall indicate whether this NRTService is active (when set to 1) or inactive (when set to 0) and theleast significant bit (LSB) shall indicate whether this NRT Service ishidden (when set to 1) or not (when set to 0). Hidden services arenormally used for proprietary applications, and ordinary receivingdevices should ignore the same.

An SP_indicator field shall indicate, when set, that service protectionis applied to at least one of the components needed to provide ameaningful presentation of this NRT Service.

A CP_indicator field shall indicate, when set, that content protectionis applied to at least one of the components needed to provide ameaningful presentation of this NRT Service.

A service_id field shall uniquely identify this NRT Service within thescope of this NRT Broadcast. The service_id of an NRT service shall notchange throughout the life of the service. To avoid confusion, it isrecommended that if an NRT service is terminated, then the service_idfor the service should not be used for another service until after asuitable interval of time has elapsed.

A short_service_name_length shall indicate the number of byte pairs inthe short_service_name field.

A short_service_name specifies a short name of the NRT Service.

A service_category field shall identify the type of service carried inthis IP Service.

A num_components field specifies the number of IP stream components inthis NRT Service.

An IP_version_flag, when set to 0, shall indicate thatsource_IP_address, service_destination_IP_address, andcomponent_destination_IP_address fields are IPv4 addresses. The value of1 for this field is reserved for possible future indication thatsource_IP_address, service_destination_IP_address, andcomponent_destination_IP_address fields are for IPv6.

A source_IP_address_flag shall indicate, when set, that a source IPaddress value for this NRT Service is present to indicate a sourcespecific multicast.

A service_destination_IP_address_flag indicates, when set to 1, that aservice_destination_IP_address value is present, to serve as the defaultIP address for the components of this NRT Service.

A source_IP_address field shall be present if the source_IP_address_flagis set to 1 and shall not be present if the source_IP_address_flag isset to 0. If present, this field shall contain the source IP address ofall the IP datagrams carrying the components of this NRT Service.Conditional use of the 128 bit-long address version of this fieldfacilitates possible use of IPv6 in the future, although use of IPv6 isnot currently defined. The source_IP_address field becomes a source IPaddress of the same server for sending all channels of a FLUTE session.

A service_destination_IP_address field shall be present if theservice_destination_IP_address_flag is set to 1 and shall not be presentif the service_destination_IP_address_flag is set to 0. If thisservice_destination_IP_address is not present, then thecomponent_destination_IP_address field shall be present for eachcomponent in the num_components loop. Conditional use of the 128bit-long address version of this field facilitates possible use of IPv6in the future, although use of IPv6 is not currently defined. Theservice_destination_IP_address field is signaled if a destination IPaddress of a session level of a FLUTE session is present.

The SMT according to the present invention provides information abouteach component using a loop structure.

An essential_component_indicator, when set to 1, shall indicate thatthis component is an essential component for the NRT Service. Otherwise,this field indicates that this component is an optional component.

A component_destination_IP_address_flag shall indicate, when set to 1,that the component_destination_IP_address is present for this component.

A port_num_count field shall indicate the number of destination UDPports associated with this UDP/IP stream component. The values of thedestination UDP port numbers shall start from thecomponent_destination_UDP_port_num field and shall be incremented byone.

A component_destination_UDP_port_num field represents the destinationUDP port number for this UDP/IP stream component.

A component_destination_IP_address field shall be present if thecomponent_destination_IP_address_flag is set to 1 and shall not bepresent if the component_destination_IP_address_flag is set to 0. Whenthis field is present, the destination address of the IP datagramscarrying this component of the NRT Service shall match the address inthis field. When this field is not present, the destination address ofthe IP datagrams carrying this component shall match the address in theNRT_service_destination_IP_address field. Conditional use of the 128bit-long address version of this field facilitates possible use of IPv6in the future, although use of IPv6 is not currently defined.

A num_component_level_descriptors field represents the number ofdescriptors providing additional information for an IP stream component.

A component_level_descriptors field identifies one or more descriptorsproviding additional information for this IP stream component.

A num_service_level_descriptors field specifies the number of NRTservice level descriptors for this service.

A service_level_descriptor( ) identifies zero or more descriptorsproviding additional information for this NRT Service. Theservice_level_descriptor( ) may indicate the detailed service type ofthe NRT service. Examples of the detailed service type include a portalservice providing web content, push VOD, A/V download, etc.

A num_subnet_level_descriptors field specifies the number ofsubnet-level descriptors for this subnet.

A subnet_level_descriptor( ) may include zero or more descriptorsproviding additional information for the subnet which this SMTdescribes.

According to the present invention, a 2D_or_(—)3D_service_exist_flagfield may be further defined with respect to each NRT service using aloop structure according to the number of NRT services defined by thenum_NRT_services field.

The 2D_or_(—)3D_serivce_exist_flag field indicates presence/absence of aservice corresponding to one service via the SMT. At this time, thisfield may be defined using 1 bit or 2 bits.

For example, if only 1 bit is used in this field, presence/absence of aservice corresponding to a currently signaled service is indicated. Iftwo bits are used in this field, presence/absence of servicescorresponding to a currently signaled service and a previously signaledservice or a subsequently signaled service may be indicated. Thecorresponding service may be a 3D service if the signaled service is 2Dand may be a 2D service if the signaled service is 3D.

If the value of the 2D_or_(—)3D_serivce_exist_flag field (using 1 bit)is 0, this indicates that the corresponding 3D service (or 2D) is notpresent and, if the value of the 2D_or_(—)3D_serivce_exist_flag field is1, this indicates that the corresponding 3D service (or 2D) is present.If the value of the 2D_or_(—)3D_serivce_exist_flag field is 1, theNRT_service_id value of the corresponding 3D NRT service (or 2D) may beobtained via the 2D_(—)3D_corresponding_service_descriptor located atthe below-described NRT service level, which will be described below.

If the value of the 2D_or_(—)3D_serivce_exist_flag field (using 2 bits)is 00, this indicates that a 3D service (or 2D) corresponding to acurrently signaled service is not present and, if the value of the2D_or_(—)3D_serivce_exist_flag field is 01, this indicates that a 3Dservice (or 2D) corresponding to a currently signaled service ispresent. If the value of the 2D_or_(—)3D_serivce_exist_flag field is 10,this indicates that a 3D service (or 2D) corresponding to a servicesignaled at a different time is not present, and, if the value of the2D_or_(—)3D_serivce_exist_flag field is 11, this indicates that a 3Dservice (or 2D) corresponding to a service signaled at a different timeis present. If the value of the 2D_or_(—)3D_serivce_exist_flag field is01 or 11, the NRT_service_id value of the corresponding 3D NRT service(or 2D) may be obtained via the2D_(—)3D_corresponding_service_descriptor located at the below-describedNRT service level, which will be described below. Three or more bits maybe allocated to this field to define presence/absence of servicescorresponding to services signaled at different times as previously andsubsequently signaled services. This field may be defined in the form ofthe descriptor of each level of the SMT.

For example, if it is checked that an service A is 2D through aservice_category field in the NRT_service_descriptor of the service Aand the value of the 2D_or_(—)3D_service_exist_flag field of thisservice is 1, a receiving device may check that a 3D NRT servicecorresponding to the service A is present. The broadcast receiver may beaware of the service_id value of the 3D NRT service through2D_(—)3D_corresponding_service_descriptor.

In association with the present invention, the SMT further includescomponent level information, service level information and subnet levelinformation in addition to the information about each NRT service. Thelevel information is defined in the form of a descriptor in the SMTsection.

First, a method of signaling whether a service is a 2D NRT service or a3D NRT service according to the present invention will be described. Atthis time, in the present specification, the component level informationin the SMT may be used for signaling. Hereinafter, component_descriptoraccording to the present invention will be described.

Component_descriptor

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofNRT_component_data_descriptor according to the present invention.

In association with the present invention, if the value of thecomponent_type field of component_descriptor field in the SMT is 38,this indicates a normal NRT service. In association with this, in thepresent specification, if the value of the component_type field is 55, a3D NRT service is defined and 3D format associated information may befurther included as shown in FIG. 7. If necessary, if the value of thecomponent-type field is 55, information shown in FIGS. 10 to 16 may befurther included and a separately defined descriptor may be referred tousing link information in this descriptor. Accordingly, the receivingdevice may determine whether a 3D video component is included in an NRTservice only using the value of the component_type field ofcomponent_descriptor. In the present specification, if the value of thecomponent_type field is newly defined, it may be determined whether a 3DNRT service is present at the component level and the broadcast receivermay cope with the presence/absence of the 3D NRT service in advance. Alegacy broadcast receiver identifies and filters an NRT service tomaintain compatibility, if the value of the component_type field is atleast one of 38 and 55.

In the present invention, by defining one or more component_type valuesin association with an NRT service, if the component_type value is 55, abroadcast receiver without a component for processing 3D content mayidentify and filter a 3D NRT video component. That is, in the presentinvention, as described above, the component_type value is differentlydefined such that the receiving device performs adaptive processing.

In the examples of the broadcast receiver shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the 3Dformatter 250 may receive an image signal decoded by the A/V decoder andreformat a video signal (remap pixels) according to pixel arrangement ofa 3D display. At this time, 3D associated information shown in FIG. 7may be used as the 3D format information of video.

Hereinafter, the fields of the descriptor shown in FIG. 7 will bedescribed in detail.

A single NRT service may contain multiple FLUTE sessions. Each sessionmay be signaled using one or more FLUTE component descriptors, dependingon the IP addresses and ports used for the sessions.

A 3D_structure field indicates a 3D video format of this videocomponent. For example, SbS (Side-by-Side) or TaB (Top-and-Bottom) maybe indicated according to the value of the 3D_structure field. In thepresent invention, in addition to SbS and TaB as the 3D video format,all available 3D video formats equal to those defined in the3D_structure field of FIG. 11 may be defined and signaled.

An LR_first field indicates if first half (top half in Top-and-Bottomformat and left half in Side-by-Side) is a left or right picture. Thevalue 0 indicates that the first half of the video is left while thevalue 1 indicates that it is right.

A 3D_orientation field is defined in the following table 1.

TABLE 1 3D_orientation Meaning 00 Left-, Right- 01 Left, Right Inverted10 Left Inverted, Right- 11 Left Inverted, Right Inverted

Referring to Table 1, the 3D_orientation field having a value of 00indicates that the 3D_orientation of video is normal in which both theleft picture and the right picture are not inverted, the 3D_orientationfield having a value of 01 indicates that only the right picture isinverted in the 3D orientation of video, the 3D_orientation field havinga value of 10 indicates that only the left picture is inverted in the 3Dorientation of video, and the 3D_orientation field having a value of 11indicates that both the left picture and the right picture are invertedin the 3D orientation of video.

A TSI field shall be the transport session identifier (TSI) of the FLUTEsession.

A session_start_time field indicates the time at which the FLUTE sessionstarts. If the value of this field is set to all zero, then it shall beinterpreted to mean that the session has already started.

A session_end_time fields indicates the time at which the FLUTE sessionends. If the value of this field is set to all zero, then it shall beinterpreted to mean that the session continues indefinitely.

A tias_bandwidth_indicato field is a field that flags the inclusion oftransport independent application specific (TIAS) bandwidth information.This bit shall be set to 1 to indicate that the TIAS bandwidth field ispresent, and it shall be set to 0 to indicate that the TIAS bandwidthfield is absent.

An as_bandwidth_indicator field is a field that flags the inclusion ofApplication Specific (AS) bandwidth information. This bit shall be setto 1 to indicate that the AS bandwidth field is present, and it shall beset to 0 to indicate that the AS bandwidth field is absent.

A FEC_OTI_indicator field is an indicator that indicates whether FECObject Transmission Information (OTI) is provided.

A tias_bandwidth field indicates a TIAS maximum bandwidth and the valuethereof shall be one one-thousandth of the TIAS maximum bandwidth.

An as_bandwidth field shall be AS maximum bandwidth.

A FEC_encoding_id field indicates a FEC encoding ID used in this FLUTEsession.

A FEC_instance_id field indicates a FEC instance ID used in this FLUTEsession.

The above-described parameters may be signaled via FLUTE component databytes to provide information necessary to receive the FLUTE session anda method of receiving an FDT via this session, acquiring informationabout all files delivered via the FLUTE session, and receiving thesefiles may be used.

A FLUTE component descriptor may be delivered via thecomponent_level_descriptor loop of the SMT. If there is a plurality ofFLUTE channels, since TSI, session_start_time, session_end_time, etc.which are the session level parameters should be signaled only once.Thus, the FLUTE component descriptor may be transmitted via thecomponent_level_descriptor loop only in one component among thecomponents of several channels.

According to the present invention, it is determined whether the NRTservice is 3D at the component level via NRT_component_data_descriptorof FIG. 7.

Capabilities Descriptor

Next, the 3D NRT service may be identified using capability_descriptor.Accordingly, if capability_descriptor according to the present inventionis used, it is possible to determine whether the service is a 3D NRTservice at a service level. Capability_descriptor is also defined by acontent level descriptor of the below-described NRT-IT. In the presentspecification, capability_descriptor at the content level of the NRT-ITis not separately described and will be described herein.

The broadcast receiver may determine whether the service or the contentitem is 3D using information of capability_descriptor and determinewhether the service or the content is downloaded depending on whetherthe broadcast receiver supports 3D (3D display or 3D format).

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofcapability_descriptor according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, the fields of capability_descriptor will be described.

A descriptor_tag field is a predefined value and identifies thisdescriptor. A descriptor_length field indicates the total length of thisdescriptor.

A capability_code_count field shall indicate the number ofcapability_code blocks. The following fields may be defined using theloop structure of each block according to the number of blocks definedin the capability_code_count field.

An essential_indicator field indicates whether support for thecapability represented by the capability code following this field isessential to meaningful presentation of the service or content item, ornot. The value 1 shall indicate that the capability is essential. Thevalue 0 shall indicate that it is not essential.

A capability_code shall represent a specific capability as defined inTable 2.

TABLE 2 Capability_code value Meaning 0x00 Forbidden Download Protocols0x01 FLUTE protocol, as specified in this Standard. 0x02-0x0F Reservedfor future ATSC use. FEC Algorithms 0x10 Compact No-Code FEC scheme 0x11Raptor algorithm, as specified in this Standard. 0x12-0x1F Reserved forfuture ATSC use. Wrapper/Archive Formats 0x20 MP4 multimedia containerformat. 0x21 ZIP format, as specified in this Standard. 0x22-0x2FReserved for future ATSC use. Compression Algorithms 0x30 DEFLATEalgorithm, as specified in this Standard. 0x31-0x3F Reserved for futureATSC use. Media Types 0x41 AVC video per A/72 up to level 4.0(level_idc<=40). 0x42 AVC video per A/72 up to level 4.2(level_idc<=42). 0x43 AC-3 audio per A/53 Part 5 [4]. 0x44 E-AC-3 audioper A/52 (also see Section A.2.5.1 and A.2.5.2). 0x45 MP3 audio perISO/IEC 13818-3 [49]. 0x46 Browser Profile A 0x47 Reserved 0x48 Atom perRFC 4287 [36]. 0x49 AVC video per A/153 Part 7 [9]. 0x4A HE AAC perA/153 Part 8 [10]. 0x4B Reserved for future ATSC use. 0x4C DTS-HD Audio.0x4D 3D video coded through AVC 0x4E 3D video coded through AVC (SbS)0x4F 3D video coded through AVC (TaB) 0x50-0x6F Reserved for future ATSCuse. 0x70-0X7F Available for private use.

Referring to Table 2, the capability_code value defines the meanings ofdownload protocols, FEC algorithms, wrapper/archive formats, compressionalgorithms and media types.

For the values and meanings of download protocols, FEC algorithms,wrapper/archive formats and compression algorithms, refer to knowncontent. Hereinafter, only the media type will be described inassociation with the present invention.

The capability_code values for media types may be roughly defined as0x41 to 0x4F. Here, in order to identify a 3D service or 3D contentaccording to the present invention, a capability_code value of 0x4Dindicates 3D video coded through advanced video coding (AVC), acapability_code value of 0x4E indicates 3D video coded through AVC, thevideo format of which is SbS, and a capability_code value of 0x4Findicates 3D video coded through AVC, the video format of which is TaB.If the capability_code value is 0x4D, the detailed video formatinformation may be represented using a separate descriptor. For example,refer to FIGS. 11 to 16.

A format_identifier field is a value defined if the capability_codevalue is greater than 0x6F and only identifies only the privateinformation contained within this descriptor. (This field use in thisdescriptor shall scope and identify only the private informationcontained within this descriptor).

A capability_string_count field shall indicate the number ofcapability_string blocks to follow. The following fields may be definedusing the loop structure of each block according to the number of blocksdefined in the capability_string_count field.

An essential_indicator indicates whether support for the capabilityrepresented by the capability code following this field is essential tomeaningful presentation of the service or content item, or not. Thevalue 1 shall indicate that the capability is essential. The value 0shall indicate that it is not essential.

A capability_category_code field shall indicate the capability categoryfor the following string value.

A capability_string_length field shall specify the length (in bytes) ofthe capability_string( ).

A capability_string( ) field defines a string containing therepresentation of a capability.

NRT Service Descriptor

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofNRT_service_descriptor according to the present invention.

A descriptor_tag field is a predefined value and identifies thisdescriptor. A descriptor_length field indicates the total length of thisdescriptor.

An NRT_service_category field indicates a service category according tothe present invention. The value 0x01 of this field indicates that anormal NRT service is browse & download, the value 0x02 indicates thatthe normal NRT service is portal, and the value 0x03 indicates that thenormal NRT service is Push. According to the present invention, thevalue 0x04 of this field indicates that a 3D NRT service is browse &download and the value 0x05 indicates that the 3D NRT service is Push.

NRT_service_descriptor is located at the service level of the SMT andmay be signaled by defining the value of the NRT_service_category fieldif the NRT service is a 3D NRT service according to the presentinvention. Accordingly, the receiving device may determine that theservice is a 3D NRT service at the service level, if theNRT_service_category field in the NRT_service_descriptor is 0x04 or0x05.

The below-described 3D_NRT_descriptor may be added to the NRT servicelevel.

3D NRT Descriptor

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax of3D_NRT_descriptor according to the present invention.

3D_NRT_descriptor includes detailed information on 3D content.

A descriptor_tag field is a predefined value and identifies thisdescriptor. A descriptor_length field indicates the total length of thisdescriptor.

A 3D_structure field describes the video format of 3D content. The valueand meaning of this field may be defined, for example, as shown in FIG.11.

Referring to FIG. 11, a 3D_structure field value 0000 indicates fullresolution Left & Right, a 3D_structure field value 0001 indicates fieldalternative, a 3D_structure field value 0010 indicates line alternative,a 3D_structure field value 0100 indicates left image plus depth(L+depth), a 3D_structure field value 0110 indicates TaB, a 3D_structurefield value 0111 indicates frame sequential, and a 3D_structure field1000 indicates SbS. The values and meanings of the fields shown in FIG.5-1 are merely exemplary and the present invention is not limitedthereto.

If a 3D_metadata_exist_flag field is 1, a 3D_metadata_type field, a3D_metadata_length field, a 3D_metadata field, etc. may be furtherincluded in the 3D_NRT_descriptor.

A 3D_sampling field indicates information about a frame-compatibleformat of 3D content. The value and meaning of this field may bedefined, for example, as shown in FIG. 12. This field will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIGS. 13( a) and 14(a) show oddpositions and FIGS. 13( b) and 14(b) show even positions.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, for example, a 3D_sampling field value0000-0011 indicates sub-sampling. More specifically, a 3D_sampling fieldvalue 0000 indicates sub-sampling, more particularly, odd left and oddright, a 3D_sampling field value 0001 indicates sub-sampling, moreparticularly, odd left and even right, a 3D_sampling field value 0010indicates sub-sampling, more particularly, even left and odd right, anda 3D_sampling field value 0011 indicates sub-sampling, moreparticularly, even left and even right. Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14, a3D_sampling field value 0100-0111 indicates a quincunx matrix. Forexample, a 3D_sampling field value 0100 indicates a quincunx matrix,more particularly, odd left and odd right, a 3D_sampling field value0101 indicates a quincunx matrix, more particularly, odd left and evenright, a 3D_sampling field value 0110 indicates a quincunx matrix, moreparticularly, even left and odd right, and a 3D_sampling field value0111 indicates a quincunx matrix, more particularly, even left and evenright. Although the 3D video format is SbS in the above description, TaBmay be defined in the same manner and may be further defined in additionto the above example.

A 3D_orientation field indicates a pixel arrangement form of left andright view image data in 3D content. The value and meaning of this fieldmay be defined, for example, as shown in FIG. 15.

For example, a 3D_orientation field value 00 indicates that both leftview image data and right view image data are normal, a 3D_orientationfield value 01 indicates that left view image data is normal but rightview image data is inverted, a 3D_orientation field value 10 indicatesthat right view image data is normal but left view image data isinverted, and a 3D_orientation field value 11 indicates that both leftview image data and right view image data are inverted.

A 3D_metadata_type field is valid only when the value of the3D_metadata_exist_flag field is 1 and 3D_metadata_length and 3D_metadatamay be defined using this field, for example, as shown in FIG. 16.

If the value of the 3D_metadata_type field is 000, 3D_metadata_length is4 and 3D_metadata may have all or at least one of four values. In thefour values, 3D_metatdat[0] means parallax_zero, 3D_metatdat[1] meansparallax_scale, 3D_metatdat[2] means Dref, and 3D_metatdat[3] meansWref. In contrast, if the value of the 3D_metadata_type field is 001,3D_metadata_length is also 4 and 3D_metadata may have all or at leastone of four values. In the four values, 3D_metatdat[0] means xB,3D_metatdat[1] means Zref, 3D_metatdat[2] means Dref, and 3D_metatdat[3]means Wref.

The parameter of FIG. 16 are environmental values intended in a processof producing 3D content and are used to obtain the 3D effect intended bya producer. Each parameter is a data for accurately interpreting eachparallax if a parallax map is transmitted together with a depth map. Inother words, if a parallax map is received, an image for a new viewingpoint is produced by applying parallax values transformed inconsideration of a reference value of each value and a current viewingenvironment.

A parameter D_(ref) is a distance between a viewer and a screen definedas a reference in a process of producing 3D content (unit: cm). Aparameter W_(ref) is the width of a screen defined as a reference in aprocess of producing 3D content (unit: cm). A parameter Z_(ref) is thedepth defined as a reference in a process of producing 3D content (unit:cm). A parameter X_(B) is a distance (reference value is 65 mm) betweenviewer's eyes defined as a reference.

Reference parallax P_(ref) is calculated using Equation 1 (it is assumedthat the value of the parallax map is expressed by N bits).

Pref=((m parallax_zero)/2̂N)*(parallax_scale/256)*(Wref/8)  Equation 1

Parallax on an actual screen is calculated as shown in Equation 2 (forEquation derivation, see ISO23002-3).

$\begin{matrix}{p = {{\chi_{B}\left( {1 - \frac{D}{D - \left( {\frac{D_{ref}}{W_{ref}}*\frac{W \cdot p_{ref}}{p_{ref} - \chi_{B}}} \right.}} \right)} \approx {{- p_{ref}}*\frac{dref}{wref}*\frac{W}{D}*\frac{\chi_{B}}{p_{ref} - \chi_{B}}}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 2}\end{matrix}$

In Equation 2, D and W denote the distance between the receiving deviceand the viewer and the width of the screen, respectively. If3D_metadata_type is 000, the parameter X_(B) is not transmitted and, atthis time, calculation is performed on the assumption that the parameterX_(B) is 65 mm.

2D_(—)3D_corresponding_service_descriptor

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofthe 2D_(—)3D_corresponding_service_descriptor according to the presentinvention.

2D_(—)3D_corresponding_service_descriptor is located at a service levelof the SMT and indicates 3D service information corresponding to a 2Dservice or 2D service information corresponding to a 3D service.

Hereinafter, the fields of this descriptor will be described.

A descriptor_tag field is a predefined value and identifies thisdescriptor. A descriptor_length field indicates the total length of thisdescriptor.

A corresponding_NRT_service_id field indicates the identifier (id) of a3D service corresponding to a 2D service of this descriptor and theidentifier (id) of a 2D service corresponding to a 3D service.

If a service A is a 2D browse & download service, it is assumed thatservice_category has a value of 0x01 and service_id is 0x0020. At thistime, when a service B is a 3D version of the service A, it is assumedthat service_category of the service B is 0x04 and service_id is 0x0030.

When the service A is signaled in the SMT,2D_or_(—)3D_service_exist_flag is set to 1 and2D_(—)3D_corresponding_service_descriptor is included at the servicelevel. At this time, corresponding_NRT_service_id has a value of 0x0030(service_id of the service B).

When the service B is signaled in the SMT,2D_or_(—)3D_service_exist_flag is set to 1 and2D_(—)3D_corresponding_service_descriptor may be included or omitted atthe service level.

In contrast, 2D_(—)3D_corresponding_service_descriptor may be includedwith respect to the service B and2D_(—)3D_corresponding_service_descriptor may be omitted with respect tothe service A (2D_(—)3D_corresponding_service_descriptor is includedonly in one service and, at this time, 2D_or_(—)3D_service_exist_flag ofboth services is set to 1).

As the method of configuring the SMT, for example, one or more NRTchannels may be configured as one channel.

In the present specification, an NRT channel is configured in NRTservice units and one or more FLUTE sessions for transmitting a fileusing FLUTE may be included.

In general, a FLUTE session may be uniquely identified/referenced usingparameters such as TSI, IP and port address and are temporally boundedto session_start_time and session_end_time.

When configuring a table, a FLUTE session during this time is announcedusing session_start_time and session_end_time.

Information about currently transmitted NRT channels and NRT channels tobe transmitted in the future may configure one table. The table may beconfigured to be divided into the present (within a predetermined periodfrom the present) and the future (after the predetermined period fromthe present) or a period within a predetermined time from the present(e.g., 24 hours), a period within a predetermined time therefrom (e.g.,24 hours), and a subsequent period thereof.

A determination as to whether there is guide information of a currentlyreceived content or guide information of content to be received in thefuture may be made using table_id. This is a method of dividing NRTservices received within a short range and NRT services received afterthe range into different tables and transmitting the NRT services.

If guide information of content to be received in the future isreceived, the receiving device performs temporal alignment usingavailable_start_time and available_end_time information of content andoutputs guide information of an NRT service to a user.

Although the method of configuring the table is changed, the fieldsconfiguring the table element may be the same.

NRT-IT (NRT_information Table)

Hereinafter, NRT content transmitted via each NRT content deliverychannel signaled via the above-described SMT will be described withrespect to the NRT-IT associated with signaling/announcement. The NRT-ITcontains information describing content items available for download tostorage in the receiving device. The information provided in the NRT-ITincludes the title of the content item (for example, the name of theprogram available for download), the times during which the content itemis to be made available for download, and information such as contentadvisories, availability of closed captioning, content identification,and other metadata.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofNRT-IT according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 18, the NRT-IT is newly defined in order to signal NRT content.This is merely exemplary and another method may be used. The NRT contenttransmitted via a specific NRT content delivery channel may be signaledvia the NRT-IT.

Hereinafter, information of the fields configuring an NRT-IT sectionwill be described in greater detail.

A table_id field shall be set to 0xDF to identify this table section asbelonging to the NRT-IT.

A service_id field shall specify the service_id associated with the NRTservice offering the content items described in this section.

A subnet_id field shall indicate the IP subnet associated with this SSC.

An NRT-IT_version_number field shall indicate the version number of thisNRT-IT instance, where an NRT-IT instance is defined as the set of oneor more NRT_information_table_section( ) having common values forservice_id, current_next_indicator, protocol_version, andtime_span_start. The version number shall be incremented by 1 modulo 32when any field in the NRT-IT instance changes. Accordingly, thereceiving device may confirm whether the NRT-IT is changed by referringto this field and thus update, ignore or discard the NRT-IT.

A current_next_indicator field shall always be set to 1 for NRT-ITsections; the NRT-IT sent is always currently applicable.

A section_number shall give the section number of this NRT-IT TableInstance section.

A last_section_number shall give the number of the last section (i.e.,the section with the highest section_number) of the NRT-IT TableInstance of which this section is a part).

A num_contents_in_section field indicates the number of contentsdescribed in the NRT-IT.

A content_version field indicates the version number of content (orfile) having a specific content-id value. That is, if content_id of thefile which was received by and stored in the receiving device is 0x0010,the same content, that is, a file having a content_id value of 0x0010,is transmitted and, if content_version is different from the previouslyreceived and stored content, content which is newly announced via theNRT-IT is received to update or replace the previously stored content.In the present embodiment, this means a serial number indicating therelease version, but may represent a published (released) time. At thistime, if it is difficult to represent the published time using thecontent_version field, a new field for representing the published(released) time may be used.

A content_id field uniquely identifies content (or a file).

A content_available_start_time field and a content_available_end_timefield indicate the start time and end time of a FLUTE session forreceiving content, respectively.

A content_length_in_seconds field indicates an actual playback time ofcontent in seconds if content (or a file) is an A/V) file.

A content_size field indicates the size of content (or file) in bytes.

A content_delivery_bit_rate field indicates a delivery bit rate ofcontent (or file) and means a target bit rate. That is, this fieldrepresents the size of bandwidth allocated when a service provider or abroadcast station transmits content. Using this information, thereceiving device may confirm a minimum time required to receive the fileusing content_size and content_delivery_bit_rate. That is, the timerequired to receive content may be estimated and provided to the userand the minimum time required to receive the content is obtained by(content_size*/8)/(content_delivery_bit_rate) in seconds.

A content_title_length field indicates the length of content-title_text() in bytes. Using this field, the receiving device can check how manybytes of data are read in order to accurately acquirecontent_title_text( ) information.

A content_title_text( ) field indicates the title of the content in theformat of a multiple string structure (MSS).

A time_span_start field shall represent the start of the time spancovered by this instance of the NRT-IT, expressed as the number of GPSseconds since 00:00:00 UTC, 6 Jan. 1980. The time of day oftime_span_start shall be aligned to minute 00 of the hour. The valuezero for time_span_start shall indicate the time period covered by hisNRT-IT instance began in the indefinite past. The value oftime_span_start shall be the same for each section of a multi-sectionedNRT-IT instance. The values of time_span_start and time_span_lengthshall be set such that the specified time span does not overlap with anyother NRT-IT instance in this IP subnet.

A time_span_length field shall indicate the number of minutes, startingat the time indicated by time_span_start, covered by this instance ofthe NRT-IT.

A num_content_items_in_section field shall indicate the number ofcontent items described in this NRT-IT section. The fields followingthis field are defined with respect to content items using the loopstructure.

A content_linkage field shall specify the identification number of thecontent item described. The content_linkage performs two linkagefunctions: it links metadata in the NRT-IT to one or more files in theFLUTE FDT associated with this NRT content item; it also forms the TF_id(identifier for Text Fragment in Text Fragment Table). Each fileassociated with the content item shall have a FLUTE FDT content linkagetag matching the value of this content_linkage field. For a particularNRT service, the value of content_linkage shall be unique over the setof linkage values for all content items and icons in the service fromthe time when the content item or icon descriptor first appears in theNRT-IT or any of its files appear in FLUTE FDT instances to the timewhen the content item or icon descriptor no longer appears in the NRT-ITand none of its files appear in FLUTE FDT instances.

An updates_available field shall specify, when set to 1, that thereferenced content item(s) will be updated periodically: for contentitems delivered in FLUTE sessions, receiving devices are expected tomonitor changes in the TOI associated with each file associated with thegiven value of content_linkage. When the updates_available flag is setto 0, updates are not expected to be provided for the associated contentitem(s), and the receivers are not expected to look for the same.

A TF_available field shall specify, when set to 1, that a Text Fragmentis present in a Text Fragment Table in the SSC. When the flag is set to0, no Text Fragment is included in the service signaling channel forthis content item.

A content_security_conditions_indicator field shall indicate, when setto 1, that content protection is applied to at least one of the filesthat constitute this content item.

An available_on_internet field shall indicate, when this field is set to1, that all the files that constitute this content item are availableover the Interaction Channel, and that the Content-Location attribute inthe FLUTE FDT for each file belonging to this content item is the URL ofthat file 8. When this field is set to 0, it shall convey no informationabout whether or not the files that constitute this content item areavailable over the Interaction Channel.

A playback_length_included field shall indicate, when set to 1, that theplayback_length_in_seconds field is present in this iteration of the forloop. Setting this flag to 0 shall indicate theplayback_length_in_seconds field is not present in this iteration of thefor loop.

A playback_delay_included field shall indicate, when set to 1, that theplayback_delay field is present in this iteration of the for loop.Setting this flag to 0 shall indicate the playback_delay field is notpresent in this iteration of the for loop.

An expiration_included field shall indicate, when set to 1, that theexpiration field is present in this iteration of the for loop. Settingthis flag to 0 shall indicate that the expiration field is not presentin this iteration of the for loop.

A content_length_included field shall indicate, when set to 1, that thecontent_length field is present in this iteration of the for loop.Setting this flag to 0 shall indicate the content_length field is notpresent in this iteration of the for loop.

An acquisition_time field shall specify the expected cycle time, inminutes, of the carousel containing the referenced content item. Areceiver is expected to use the acquisition_time parameter to determinethe amount of time needed to capture the referenced content.

A playback_length_in_seconds field shall specify the duration ofplayback of the content, in seconds. For content that includes audio oraudio/video content, the playback_length_in_seconds shall indicate theplayback length of the audio or audio/video content.

A playback_delay field is count of the number of seconds followingreception of the first byte of the associated content. The receivershall wait before playback may start, while buffering the incomingstream. A value of zero shall indicate that playback may commenceimmediately.

An expiration field shall represent the expiration time of the content,expressed as the number of GPS seconds since 00:00:00 UTC, 6 Jan. 1980.Following expiration, the content should be deleted from memory. If anexpiration time is not specified, receivers are expected to use methodsof their own choosing to manage memory resources.

A content_length field shall represent, when present, the total size inbytes of the content item or items. This item is used by the receivingdevice to determine if enough memory is available to store the samebefore downloading is attempted.

A content_name_length field shall specify the length (in bytes) of thecontent_name_text( ).

A content_name_text( ) field shall specify the content item title in theformat of a multiple string structure.

A num_content_descriptors_length field shall indicate the total numberof descriptors in the descriptor list that follows.

A content_descriptor( ) field may appear in the content item leveldescriptor to provide information about individual content items (one ormore descriptors in standard MPEG-2 descriptor format (tag, length,data) may appear in this content item level descriptor loop to provideinformation about individual content items).

A num_descriptors field indicates the number of descriptors (if any) tofollow).

A descriptor( ) field may appear in this NRT-IT level descriptor loop toprovide information common to all the NRT content described in thissection and may include one or more descriptors (zero or moredescriptors in standard MPEG-2 descriptor format (tag, length, data) mayappear in this NRT-IT level descriptor loop to provide informationcommon to all the NRT content described in thisNRT_information_table_section( )).

The NRT-IT section according to the present invention may include afield indicating whether content corresponding to specific content ispresent similarly to the above-described SMT according to the presentinvention.

A 2D_or_(—)3D_content_exist_flag field indicates that there is 3Dcontent corresponding to 2D content which is currently announced via theNRT-IT or 2D content corresponding to 3D content which is currentlyannounced. If this field is 0, this indicates that 3D content (or 2Dcontent) is not present and, if this field is 1, a content_linkage valuefor corresponding 3D NRT content (or 2D NRT content) is found via the2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content_descriptor located at the NRT contentlevel.

Media_type_descriptor

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofa media_type descriptor according to the present invention.

A descriptor_tag field is a predefined value and identifies thisdescriptor. A descriptor_length field indicates the total length of thisdescriptor.

An application_type field indicates the type of an applicationassociated with NRT content.

A media_type_length field indicates the length of the media_type fieldto follow.

A media_type field indicates the media type associated with the NRTcontent.

According to the present invention, if content announced via the NRT-ITis 3D content, the application_type field included in themedia_type_descriptor of the content has a value of 0x02. At this time,if the value of the application_type field is 0x01, a normal NRT serviceis indicated.

Accordingly, the receiver can determine whether the content is 3Dcontent via the application_type of the content announced via theNRT-IT. With respect to 3D content, 3D_NRT_descriptor shown in FIG. 10may be added to the content level of the NRT-IT.

2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content_descriptor

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofa 2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content_descriptor according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 20 corresponds to FIG. 17, in which information for linkage withNRT content in the NRT-IT is included.

According to the present invention, the2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content_descriptor is located at a content levelof the NRT-IT and indicates 3D content information corresponding to 2Dcontent or 2D content information corresponding to 3D content.

A descriptor_tag field is a predefined value and identifies thisdescriptor. A descriptor_length field indicates the total length of thisdescriptor.

A corresponding_content_linkage field indicates id (content_linkage)information corresponding to content of this descriptor.

If the content is 2D content, id (content_linkage) of corresponding 3Dcontent is indicated and, if the content is 3D content, id(content_linkage) of corresponding 2D content is indicated.

For example, assume that content A is 2D content, the value of theapplication_type field is 0x01, and the value of the content_linkagefield is 0x00001000. In this case, assume that content B is a 3D versionof the content A, the value of the application_type field is 0x02 andthe value of the content_linkage field is 0x00002000.

When the content A is announced in the NRT-IT, the2D_or_(—)3D_content_exist_flag is set to 1 and includes the2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content_descriptor at the content level. At thistime, the corresponding_content_linkage field in the2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content_descriptor has a value of 0x00002000which is the value of the content_linkage field of the content B whichis the 3D version of the content A.

When the content B is announced in the NRT-IT, the2D_or_(—)3D_content_exist_flag is set to 1 and may include or omit the2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content_descriptor at the content level. Incontrast, the 2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content_descriptor may be includedwith respect to the content B and the2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content_descriptor may be omitted with respect tothe content A.

The 2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content_descriptor may be included in onlyone piece of content and, at this time, 2D_or_(—)3D_service_exist_flagin the 2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content_descriptor of both pieces ofcontent is set to 1, thereby preventing confusion.

Hereinafter, an example of operation of a receiving device according tothe present invention will be described.

In particular, the receiving device may provide a service list for acurrently received NRT service according to the present invention.Hereinafter, a method of providing the service list will be described.

The receiving device first parses the SMT. At this time, in order toparse the SMT, the receiving device obtain the SMT at an IP level via aPSI/PSIP and, more particularly, a virtual channel map (VCT), thedetailed description of which will be omitted.

A determination as to whether a service is a 2D or 3D service is madeusing an NRT_service_category field of each service.

A determination as to whether a 2D/3D service corresponding to theservice is present is made using a 2D_or_(—)3D_service_exist_flag fieldof each service. If the corresponding 2D/3D service is present, acorresponding service pair is checked using a corresponding_service_idfield. The service pair may be displayed on the same screen as theservice list as shown in FIG. 21.

In this case, the receiving device may download a service pair withrespect to one NRT service according to user setting or automatically.In the case in which the receiving device also downloads the servicepair, if a user presses a 2D/3D switch button in a process of playingback NRT content stored by the user, the content is played back toprovide user convenience.

Hereinafter, another example of operation of the receiving deviceaccording to the present invention will be described.

In particular, the receiving device may provide a content list forcurrently received NRT content according to the present invention.Hereinafter, a method of providing the content list will be described.

The receiving device first parses the NRT-IT. At this time, in order toparse the NRT-IT, the receiving device obtains the NRT-IT at the IPlevel via a PSI/PSIP and, more particularly, a VCT, the detaileddescription of which will be omitted.

A determination as to whether content is 2D or 3D content is made usingan application_type field of content.

A determination as to whether 2D/3D content corresponding to the contentis present is made using a 2D_or_(—)3D_content_exist_flag field of eachservice.

If the corresponding 2D/3D content is present, a corresponding contentpair is checked using a corresponding_content_linkage field. The contentpair may be displayed on the same screen as the content list as shown inFIG. 22.

The service_id of the NRT content pair is checked. The checkedservice_id may be a corresponding service id when the content isactually received.

The receiving device may schedule download to receive the NRT contentpair according to user choice or automatically. In this case, when thecontent is broadcast, the service_id corresponding to theschedule-downloaded content is found, received and stored. The receivermay use the service_id value of content from the parsed NRT-IT.Accordingly, when the user plays the stored content back, if a 2D/3Dswitch button is pressed, the content is switched and played back,thereby providing user convenience.

Content_labeling_descriptor & ATSC Content Identifier

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofa content_labeling_descriptor according to the present invention.

The content_labeling_descriptor according to the present invention islocated at the content level of the NRT-IT and uniquely defines contentusing content_reference_id. In a representative case, it may bedetermined whether currently broadcast NRT or NRT content to bebroadcast in the future is already stored in the receiving device usingthe content_reference_id field.

Hereinafter, the fields of this descriptor will be described.

A descriptor_tag field is a predefined value and identifies thisdescriptor. A descriptor_length field indicates the total length of thisdescriptor.

A metadata_application_format field specifies the applicationresponsible for defining usage, syntax and semantics of thecontent_reference_id record and of any other privately defined fields inthis descriptor. The value 0xFFFF indicates that the format is signaledby the value carried in the metadata_application_format_identifierfield.

Coding of a metadata_application_format_identifier field is fullyequivalent to coding of the format_identifier field in theregistration_descriptor.

A content_reference_id_record_flag field signals the presence of acontent_reference_id_record in this descriptor.

A content_time_base_indicator field specifies the used content timebase. If the descriptor is associated with a program, then the contenttime base applies to all streams that are part of that program. A valueof 1 indicates usage of the STC, while a value of 2 indicates usage of aNormal Play Time (NPT) as defined in ISO/IEC 13818-6. The values between8 and 15 indicate usage of a privately defined content time base.

A content_reference_id_record_length field specifies the number ofcontent_reference_id_bytes immediately following this field).

A content_reference_id_byte field is part of a string of one or morecontiguous bytes that assigns one or more reference identifications(labels) to the content to which this descriptor is associated. Theformat of this byte string is defined by the body indicated by the codedvalue in the metadata_application_format field.

A content_time_base_value field specifies a value in units of 90 kHz ofthe content time base indicated by the content_time_base_indicatorfield.

A metadata_time_base_value field is coded in units of 90 kHz. The fieldis coded with the value of the metadata time base when the baseindicated by content_time_base_indicator reaches the value encoded inthe content_time_base_value field.

A content_Id field specifies the value of the content_Id field in theNPT Reference Descriptor for the applied NPT time base.

A time_base_association_data_length field specifies the number ofreserved bytes immediately following this field. The reserved bytes canbe used to carry time base association data for time bases defined infuture.

A private_data_byte field represents data, the format of which isdefined privately. These bytes can be used to provide additionalinformation as deemed appropriate. The use of these bytes is defined bythe metadata application format.

According to the present invention, the value of thecontent_reference_id_byte field in this descriptor has the same value asthe ATSC_content_identifier of FIG. 24.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofan ATSC content identifier according to the present invention.

An ATSC_Content_Identifier is a structure that is composed of a TSID anda “house number” with a period of uniqueness. A “house number” is anynumber that the holder of the TSID wishes as constrained herein. Numbersare unique for each value of TSID.

Hereinafter, the fields of ATSC_Content_identifier will be described indetail.

A TSID field shall contain a value of transport_stream_id.

An end_of day field shall be set to the hour of the day in UTC in whichthe broadcast day ends and the instant after which the content_id valuesmay be re-used according to unique_for.

A unique_for field shall be set to the number of days, rounded up,measured relative to the hour indicated by end_of_day, during which thecontent_id value is not reassigned to different content.

A content_id field shall be set to the value of the identifier accordingto the house number system or systems for the value of TSID. Each suchvalue shall not be assigned to different content within the period ofuniqueness set by the values in the end_of day and unique_for fields.The identifier may be any combination of human readable and/or binaryvalues and need not exactly match the form of a house number, not toexceed 242 bytes.

According to the present invention, as described above,content_reference_id_byte of content_labeling-descriptor have the samevalue as the ATSC content identifier. The value of content_id may beconfigured as follows.

The content_id field included in ATSC_content_identifier is configuredas follows.

<major_channel_number><minor_channel_number><NRT_service_id><content_linkage><ISAN>

At this time, the ISAN follows the structure of ATSC A/57B and includesa root identifier, an episode identifier and a version identifier.

As another embodiment, the content_id field of theATSC_content_identifier may be configured only using the ISAN. At thistime, all or some of major_channel_number, minor_channel_number,NRT_service_id and content_linkage may be included in the rootidentifier.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bitstream syntax ofthe 2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content_id_descriptor according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 25 is compared with the2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content_id_descriptor of FIG. 20. In particular,this descriptor may transmit service_id or content_linkage informationof corresponding service/content using the2D_(—)3D_corresponding_service_id_descriptor or the2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content_id_descriptor if corresponding 2D contentand 3D content is arranged in the same time slot.

However, the corresponding NRT content pair is arranged in completelydifferent time slots, in order to indicate this information, acontent_id system of the ATSC_content_identifier should be used. Thereceiving device stores content_id information(content_labeling_descriptor) of content to be downloaded via theNRT-IT.

If the 2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content-id_descriptor is present incontent the 2D_or_(—)3D_content_exist_flag of which is 0, it isdetermined that the content is a 2D or 3D version of the previouslybroadcast content.

A descriptor_tag field is a predefined value and identifies thisdescriptor. A descriptor_length field indicates the total length of thisdescriptor. In addition, a corresponding_content_id field is similar tothat of FIG. 20.

According to the present invention, the2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content_id_descriptor is located at the contentlevel of the NRT-IT and provides corresponding content_id information.

The content_reference_id_byte has the same value as theATSC_content_identifier by ATSC A/58B and is defined as shown in FIG.24.

The content_id field included in ATSC_content_identifier is configuredas follows.

<major_channel_number><minor_channel_number><NRT_service_id><content_linkage><ISAN>

At this time, the ISAN follows the structure of ATSC A/57B and includesa root identifier, an episode identifier and a version identifier. Asanother embodiment, the content_id field of ATSC_content_identifier maybe configured using only the ISAN. At this time, all or some ofmajor_channel_number, minor_channel_number, NRT_service_id andcontent_linkage may be included in the root identifier.

Next, operation of the receiving device according to the presentinvention when the above-described information is used will bedescribed.

The receiving device stores content_id information of content to bedownloaded via the NRT-IT. In this case, the receiving device may usecontent_labeling_descriptor of a content level. For example, assume that2D content A is stored.

The receiving device checks information about content B via the NRT-IT.At this time, if content B is 3D content, 2D_or_(—)3D_content_exist_flagis 0 and the 2D_(—)3D_corresponding_content_id_descriptor is present, itis determined that the content is a 3D version of the previouslybroadcast content.

Corresponding_content_id information of content B is compared withcontent_id of content previously stored in the receiver.

It is determined that the content_id information of content B matchescontent_id of the previously stored content A. This information isdisplayed on an EPG screen and the content B is scheduled to bedownloaded according to user choice or automatically.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (UI)indicating presence/absence of a 3D version according to the presentinvention, FIG. 27 is a diagram showing another example of NRT-EPGaccording to the present invention, and FIG. 28 is a diagram showing adetailed example of the UI of FIG. 27.

Referring to FIG. 26, in the receiving device, a text bar may bescrolled in order to indicate that content, that is, a 3D version,corresponding to 2D content stored via the NRT-IT is present whileviewing the broadcast screen based on signaling information of thereceiver, as shown in FIG. 26. The present invention is not limited toFIG. 26 and a separate UI may be configured to select and set a controloperation associated with presence/absence of the 3D version on an OSD(on-screen display) screen.

FIG. 27 shows the NRT-EPG screen obtained by parsing at least one of theSMT or the NRT-IT. For example, even when a user presses a specificbutton such as a red button, the same NRT-EPG may be provided. Referringto FIG. 27, in the NRT-EPG provided according to user request, anindicator indicating whether content is 2D or 3D content is provided. Inparticular, in association with the present invention, contentcorresponding to specific content is provided, for example, informationindicating that the SBS provides NRT content “My wife is coming backEpisode 22” of a 2D version at 12 o'clock and the SBS provides content“My wife is coming back Episode 22” of a 3D version at 15:30 isprovided. In this case, the content of the 3D version is not limited tothe content of the same episode and may be, for example, content ofanother episode (Episode 21, Episode 23, special episode, etc.).Although provision of information about content corresponding tospecific content only via the same channel is described in FIG. 27, thepresent invention is not limited thereto and information about differentchannels may be provided and information about corresponding content ofanother medium may be provided.

FIG. 28 illustrates detailed information and processing associatedtherewith if a user selects 2D content “Wang-geon the Great, Episode 30”shown in FIG. 27. For example, in FIG. 28, information indicating thatthe selected content is the 3D version of the content “Wang-geon theGreat, Episode 30”, a schedule recording function, a back function, etc.are provided. In this case, although not shown, detailed informationregarding the content, e.g., a variety of information such as synopsisinformation, episode information, broadcast start time information,broadcast end time information or thumbnail information may be providedusing signaling information and announcement information obtained fromthe SMT or NRT-IT.

MODE FOR INVENTION

Various embodiments have been described in the best mode for carryingout the invention.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it isintended that the present invention cover the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention relates to a non-real-time broadcast service andis applicable to broadcasting and communications.

1. A method of processing a non-real-time (NRT) service in a broadcastreceiver, the method comprising: receiving a broadcast service andsignaling information; identifying whether the broadcast service is anNRT service based on the signaling information and determining whetherthe identified NRT service includes a 3-dimensional (3D) service or 3Dcontent; and processing the NRT service.
 2. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the signaling information includes a service map table(SMT) and an NRT-information table (NRT-IT).
 3. The method according toclaim 2, wherein the SMT uses a descriptor of at least one of acomponent level and a service level in order to determine whether theidentified NRT service is a 3D service.
 4. The method according to claim3, wherein the descriptor of the component level includes acomponent_descriptor, and the component_descriptor identifies whether a3D video component is included in the NRT service using acomponent_type.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein thecomponent_descriptor includes at least one of: information indicating a3D video format of the video component, information indicating whether afirst half is a left picture or a right picture, and informationindicating orientation which is a pixel arrangement form of a left viewimage and a right view image in 3D content of video.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 3, wherein the descriptor of the service levelincludes at least one of a capability_descriptor and aservice_descriptor.
 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein thecapability_descriptor includes at least one of information indicatingthat a media type is 3D video coded through advance video coding (AVC)and information indicating that the media type is 3D video coded throughAVC and a 3D format is any one of Side-by-Side (SbS) and Top-and-Bottom(TaB).
 8. The method according to claim 6, wherein theservice_descriptor includes any one of information indicating that aservice category is 3D browse & download and information indicating 3Dpush.
 9. The method according to claim 2, wherein: the SMT and theNRT-IT further include flag information indicating whether a service orcontent corresponding to a specific service or content is present, and a2D service or content corresponds to a 3D service or content or a 3Dservice or content corresponds to a second service or content.
 10. Themethod according to claim 9, wherein the flag information includes anyone of information about a current service using 1 bit and informationabout services of a current time and a different time using 2 bits ormore.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the SMT furtherincludes a service-level descriptor providing a service identifier if acorresponding service is present according to the flag information. 12.The method according to claim 11, wherein the SMT further includes aservice-level descriptor including at least one of informationindicating a video format of 3D content, information about aframe-compatible format of 3D content, information about orientationwhich is a pixel arrangement form of a left view image and a right viewimage in 3D content, and metadata information of 3D content, if theidentified 3D NRT service or the corresponding service is 3D.
 13. Themethod according to claim 9, wherein the NRT-IT includes a content-leveldescriptor including information indicating that an application type ofcontent is 3D NRT content, if announced content is 3D.
 14. The methodaccording to claim 9, wherein the NRT-IT further includes acontent-level descriptor providing content linkage information ofcorresponding content if corresponding content is present according tothe flag information.
 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein theNRT-IT identifies the specific content and the corresponding content atthe same time slot using content reference identifier information foruniquely identifying the content.